Page 469 of Lodestar

I knew my ma too well.

“Good. I’ll speak with the agent and get you moved in… Next month?”

She peered around. “Just needs some paint.”

I’d believethatwhen ET did phone home.

“What about the kitchen?”

Tapping her finger against her bottom lip, she mused, “Yes, it’s too modern.ButI like that it has two ovens. Leave it for now. I can stay with you or Aidan when I decide what I want for?—”

“No, Ma. Get it done now. If you need out of the house sooner or want to work on the property once you’re moved in, then you’ll need to stay in a hotel in the city.”

“Why can’t I stay with you?” she demanded.

“Because we have families! And right now, Savannah and Aidan are dealing with some stuff and they have construction going on next door so they’re grouchy, and Star and Kat only just moved in with me! We’re still settling into our routines.”

She huffed. “I could help with babysitting.”

“Why would you want to move in with us when you want your own space anyway?”

Quiet reigned for a moment, then she released a sigh. “I miss the noise, Conor. Your da wasn’t always there, but when he was, there was never a peaceful moment. I’m not used to there being no chaos.

“It’s okay though. You’re right. I’ll move into a hotel and make a decision about the kitchen...” She frowned, but it was more to herself. “Do you think Inessa would like to help me?”

This was when I wished her and Aoife’s relationship was as strong as it once was.

I wasn’t about to be guilt-tripped into agreeing for her to move into Aidan’s apartment or mine just so she could make age-long decisions over a kitchen.

That path led to her being a permanent ‘roommate,’ and I wasnotsigning up for that. I loved my ma but living in the same building was close enough for me.

“Savannah probably would. She might draw Star in.”

“Would that be a problem for you?” she asked. When that had me frowning, she clarified, “If Star helped me and Savannah with the kitchen.”

“Why would it?”

“I don’t know. You said it like it could be a bad thing.”

“Not for me. Maybe for you. Star isn’t like your other daughters-in-law.”

Christ, I wasn’t even sure if the word ‘backsplash’ meant something non-torture-related to Star.

Ma hooted. “You don’t think I realized that already?” Patting my arm, she said, “You underestimate me, son.”

“Do I? Ma, she’s never going to say things that don’t put you on edge.”

“You mean her telling me that her father’s and Dagger’s band used to lick cocaine out of groupies’ assholes was just a preview?”

My lips twisted as I tried not to laugh. “Yeah. Although I think they were technically snorting—” At her arch look, I cleared my throat. “I meant, what with your recent obsession with Our Lady, I know that kind of talk isn’t very popular with you now.”

“Ah. So you meant don’t ask Savannah if you don’t want her to bring Star along?”

“Yes.”

She hummed. “Do you know your da used to speak in his sleep?”

“I didn’t know that.” I grimaced. “What did he talk about?”

---